Today is a day of lasts. The last Sunday before the beginning of 2014. The last chapter of Building a Doll House. I’m a little sad about both of these and yet, I’m filled with anticipation. I’m excited to think of what 2014 will hold.

As I come to the end of this year, I also spend time thinking of my life and how I have lived. And as I think about such things, it’s appropriate to share the final chapter of the doll house saga. The celebration of its completion and sharing this gift with others.

What a party it was!

Building a Doll House: Open House – Chapter 14

I knew from the beginning of creating this doll house that I wanted to share our experience with others. And as I told friends and family what we were doing, they all wanted to see it. So I decided that I would have an open house for the doll house.

I love to entertain, so this was an easy party to host. And of course, Joy had to be part of it. So together we threw an open house that was well-attended.

The doll house was placed on the dining room table and all the furniture was set. My home was prepared and food filled the kitchen for guests to enjoy. We then waited for guests to arrive.

And they did. For the entire afternoon, we had guests come and go. Others stayed the entire time visiting. It was a joyous occasion. And Joy was the perfect hostess. She was honored to show our guests each room of the house.

I enjoyed telling the story of building the house. The choices we made. The verses of Scripture under the wall paper, flooring and shingles. I even created a PowerPoint presentation of the process for everyone to see. Here is a glimpse into the rooms of the house with the Scripture reference that is written there.

The kitchen (Proverbs 31:15).

The dining room (John 21:12a).

The living room (Titus 2:4-5).

The parent’s bedroom (Matthew 11:28).

The boy’s bedroom (Psalm 4:8).

The nursery (Psalm 62:5).

The little girl’s bedroom (Psalm 127:2b).

The bathroom (Ezekiel 36:25a).

The foundation (Psalm 127:1a).

The floors (Jeremiah 29:11-14).

The porch (Deuteronomy 6:7).

The roof (Psalm 45:15).

This was a day of celebration. And we celebrated with those we cared about the most. Family and friends.

Jesus is building a place not so different than the doll house. Except that is God’s house. And there are many rooms, mansions or dwelling places, depending on the version you read.

We find reference to it in John 14. Just before this passage, Jesus told the disciples that He would be leaving them and also that Peter would deny Him three times. Jesus knew they needed encouragement. So here are the words He spoke.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” (John 14:1-4 – NIV)

So what do we know about this place, this house that Jesus is preparing for us?

It has taken a long time to finish. Jesus left the disciples behind nearly 2,000 years ago. Each generation from that point on has been waiting and longing for Jesus’ return. What joy it will be when we see Jesus face to face!

It will be beautiful. We see a glimpse of this place, also from John, in the Book of Revelation. The description found in Revelation 21 tells of a city made of pure gold, precious stones, and with streets of gold. There is a river with trees lining its banks. Of course, these are human terms. Concepts that we can understand. But from what we can comprehend, heaven will be beautiful!

God and Jesus will be there. Also from Revelation we read phrases like, “It shone with the glory of God.” (Revelation 21:11a – NIV) “The Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.” (Revelation 21:22b-23 – NIV) “The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city and his servants will serve him.” (Revelation 22:3b – NIV)

He wants to share His house with all those He loves. His family. His friends. Jesus told His disciples in John 14 that they knew the way to this place. Jesus was and is the Way. When we accept Jesus as our Savior, we have the “map” to this great treasure. We have the entire New Testament to point us in the right direction. We have instructions on how to get on the right path when we’ve taken a wrong turn. Jesus doesn’t want anyone to be lost forever. He wants you to enjoy His house!

Jesus has invited us to join Him for the open house. Jesus invites us to come. There are more passages that reference this idea than I have time to mention, but here are a few. Matthew 11:28; Matthew 16:24-25; Matthew 19:21; Luke 5:32; Luke 6:47-49; Luke 9:23; Luke 14:15-24; John 6:35; and John 14:6.

There is one more invitation I’d like to mention from Revelation. Come is the repeated word. “The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.” (Revelation 22:17 – NIV)

The preparations are nearing completion. The invitations have been sent. The way is clear. Now it’s up to you accept. Come.

Are you weary? Are you hungry? Are you thirsty? Are you lost? Jesus is the Way. Come.

Come.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna